Finishing Well

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

You don’t have to wait until you’re facing death to say these words. Has it been a hard day? You’ve made it to the end haven’t you? You may have slipped up here or there, but even the writer made slips. The word of encouragement is that for every major obstacle there is One who remains ever faithful who is there to support you in your journey to take these challenges on and come out, like this writer, the winner.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Amazing Words of Forgiveness

He knelt down and shouted, "Lord, don't blame them for what they have done." Then he died. (Acts 7:60)

A prayer for you: Dear Lord, let us have the love to be able to forgive those who cause us harm. Let us see them in as much need of love as we are and share a compassion and mercy for them as we need ourselves.

I am not the only person who struggles with this episode. It’s all well and good our Saviour able to utter those words of mercy on those crucifying Him on a tree. It’s alright for Him, He’s the Messiah. For Stephen to utter these as his final words on earth whilst being battered to death by his accusers really points out that what the Teacher can do his students are capable of doing it as well. When I’m bombarded from left, right and centre from forces and people I know my natural reaction is to retaliate or hibernate. To have the Spirit-filled character of Stephen and even graciously look to God to forgive the tormentors is a step of maturity that I would love to attain. To be so focussed on God that the reality of spiritual warfare having nothing to do with personality and everything to do with spiritual forces at work points me to a desire to share this ability and overcome evil with good.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Words of Assurance and Triumph

Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs. (Deuteronomy 33:29)

Have you ever felt as though the world is on your shoulders and you’re getting grief from every side? If it’s not one thing it’s another and no rest can be found. The last words recorded of a man called Moses offer are a blessing of assurance and promise of protection. Whatever opposes you today whether external or internal you likewise can experience this triumph and peace today.

I wonder what would happen if we took these words seriously? I think about Israel and how much Moses had endured to get them to the brink of the Promised Land. When you consider Deuteronomy to be the longest farewell address in scripture you have to feel for Moses. Here’s a guy who agonised over his distinct call as a man of God. Here’s a pensioner in the wilderness making excuses as to why he couldn’t lead the Lord’s people out of Egypt. Here’s a bloke who every step of the way is the source of complaints, criticism, rejection, rebellion and mistreatment. Here’s a hombre who through one fatal moment of misplaced anger (you would have thought he’d have learnt the lesson from 40 years previously then again you would have thought I’d have learnt from the mistake(s) I made years ago) missed out on entering the goal of his ambition. Here is this critical and crucial leader in Israel history. Here he is entreating and blessing his people and for all that he speaks within three generations they’ve already forgotten or more accurately forsaken all this.

Still all this is written that I would learn from the lessons of these men and nations. So when I think about being a people saved by the Lord I don’t have to think very far. I don’t have to refer to a physical nation and its cultural distinctions. I can go straight to the cross and how Christ’s sacrifice saved me from the power of sin and is now my shield and sword. I can go straight to the fact that His sacrifice now makes me part of a wonderful community of fellow sojourners who are making that ultimate pilgrimage to the promised land to come whose architect according to the writer of Hebrews is God. Oh how I wish I could just live in the light of this fact and overcome and tread on the backs on the enemies within and without.

Yet, you know, victory by victory and with every moment that I am reminded that God’s grace is ever near me I feel that assurance and rejoice in the triumph achieved at Calvary to be celebrated for eternity starting now.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

What Final Words

After he took the wine, Jesus said, "It's done . . . complete." Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit. (John 19:30)

There are times when things come to an end. It is worth celebrating what has been done and completed even if it maybe painful at the time. Jesus’ words here are not words of defeat or failure, but are those of victory and we can also celebrate.

As we enter the last week of the series on the power of the Word I thought it would be interesting to review some of the famous last words spoken in the Word and where better to start than with the last recorded words of the Master on the cross.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Waiting For The Bridegroom

The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. (Luke 5:35)

What’s going on? Why just this verse? As ever with Jesus, people are complaining that Jesus isn’t doing it the old-fashioned way especially when it comes to fasting. Considering fasting is an intriguing topic but not one that is often talked about in Christendom. This verse though gives a good idea of why we fast.

We fast because the bridegroom has been taken away from us. Now obviously by the power of the Spirit and by being true followers of His Word we can proclaim that Christ is with us. However as it is written the Spirit could only come when Jesus Himself left us. So our fasting is an act of desperately waiting for the bridegroom to return – like lovers apart yearning desperately for each other we’re expressing our desire for the loved one to come. Indeed in the meantime that’s why we are referred to as the bride, because we long for the bridegroom to return.

A lot more could be said about what fasting is and it’s various references, but in this verse the focus of the fast is the issue. This highlights again that the act that we do in life whether fast or feast is because of the Bridegroom.

Today’s daily thought has been inspired by my friend Craig Grand. Hey Craig, focus on Jesus!

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Tell The World

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:3

Well what does that mean? Let people from everywhere know about what a heavily great deal God is. Tell them just what great things He has done.

So what does this mean? The verse encourages us to let people know the good news of what God does. That means we want people to know about how good God is. It could be easy to keep our faith to ourselves and the good news of what God has done just to church meetings, but as He’s done something so wonderful the news should be shared with everyone in the world. Even if we cannot tell people in Asia, Africa, America, Australia and Europe we can still tell our whole world – the people we engage with on an every day basis. It makes sense. If it’s such good news why would you want to keep it to yourself? It’s contagious, it’s infectious, it’s all the more reason why we are told in this verse to go and tell.

Today’s daily thought has been inspired by my friend Craig Grand. Thanks Craig, keep up the good work!

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Say Grace

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. (Colossians 4:6)

What’s gracious speech like? Ever had those conversations where you could get more sense from a brick wall? Patiently you let the other know that you have heard them and you understand what they are saying … yet it has no effect at all. This is not the message that it’s alright because they’ll understand … maybe they never will. This is a thought to suggest that even in these trying circumstances, look to bring the best out of the other and at least you’ll end the conversation in peace. Then you can go get that much needed drink!

So the wonder of words. With the above statement you might get the impression that I’m referring to a stiff shot of something alcoholic and in a very real way I am referring to strong Spirit. That for me is the wonder of words and where it can lead to and where we can take it. The verse in question says different things in different versions, which on the one hand is useful and on the other can be left open to all sorts of interpretations. What I do get from this verse though is the need to make the most of our time and use every conversation to express the love of God to others. It’s to be expected with people who have yet to acknowledge God’s grace that their approach may not be positive to Christ and issues to do with Him, but out ability to still respond from grace and show them what He looks like through our conversation and lifestyle can leave an impact.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Going for Gold

The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

As people compete for sporting honour, this day has been given for everyone to gain the top medals of life with just that certain word or words in a dear one’s ear. Go for gold!

This isn’t the dismissive one liner it may appear to be. One of the things that I love about life and the English language is that sometimes it’s not a large number of words that make a difference. How often has my life changed on the right word at the right time! As someone who loves words and knows their power in action my desire is to cultivate such an ability to impact someone with an appropriate word that will be able to change lives and turn them towards Christ.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Words For A Clear Conscience

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Sure no one’s perfect and we all make mistakes, but what do we do with them? Sometimes we’re guilt-ridden and cover it with self-righteousness or denial. Release can be found on responding to this invitation and embrace the words that can wash and cleaning the conscience and set the spirit free.

I also checked out the image on this site out and when you see the poem alongside it as well it gets to some of the heart of what inspired today’s daily thought.

There is an old hymn ‘Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet’ that highlights what exactly God has on offer for us. Sometimes in coming to Christ I get the impression that people have something bargain with God, when this verse points out clearly that we have nothing with which to bargain. Look at us? Full of sin, full of the guilt of the consequence of sin, full of rebellion to a holy, loving God – and we have that to bargain with?

Also in the light of God’s extended offer of grace and mercy it is not unreasonable to expect us to submit and surrender to the terms of the offer. If I’m caught bang to rights for a horrendous crime and the prosecutor arranges for a rehabilitation process that sees me come out of it better than I’d ever be, why on earth am I going to bargain with that and try to shape it around my wants and felt desires. Yet when I consider flavours of Christianity today it’s almost as though I’m doing God a favour getting saved and He owes a life of blessed quietness with all the pleasures at His right hand as the money comes to me now.

May God help us to always respond to His amazing love and graciousness with humble gratitude having a willing heart to work towards His purposes and designs for life.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Words That Satisfy

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. (Proverbs 18:20)

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Words and Lives That Produce Tasty Fruit

God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

Here are headlines you’re not likely to read: Simon Bailey arrested in kindness shocker! John Flynn sentenced after being gentle! Sue Mears imprisoned following speaking words of faithfulness and goodness! Fran Cooke behind bars for life for exercising compassion! So whilst the law is on our side in those areas, let us enjoy these liberties and share these qualities with each other.

The thinking behind this was a conversation I had with the men on Monday night and the old chestnut about free will came up again. It basically exulted in the fact that we have a choice and free will and isn’t that a great thing? Well I’ve yet to see someone give me a compelling argument for free will biblically as that which is to be deified as much as it is in this culture.

When I do think about freedom and liberty, though, I do consider the freedom with which Christ has made me free to actually behave, think and speak in a manner that reflects the fruit of the Spirit. I haven’t been set free to do whatever I want, I’ve been set free to do whatever has been placed in the very core of my being to do. I was created to be disciplined. I was created to be joyful, loving, gentle, peaceful, faithful, kind and good.

When I don’t behave that way; when my thoughts don’t tally with that; when the words I speak go against that, although I may have been conditioned to be like that I actually feel a bit less human, a bit less that I get the impression I ought to be. Being obedient is the most natural thing about me. My arms are meant to do what I tell them to do and more often than not I’ll tell them to do something that supports me in a fitting and beneficial way. The same goes for every part of my body and although my brain may get it messed up with activities that hasten my inevitable physical departure from planet earth, more often than not the aim and desire is to stay on here as long and as comfortably as possible.

For that to happen certain orders have to be obeyed so that outcomes can be enjoyed. It sounds mechanical, but when the outcome is joy, peace and love and indeed when the process actually includes within it these qualities then the whole thing is makes a lot more sense. So if that’s me, personally I don’t see the big deal in actually admitting that perhaps rather than emphasising free will we should actually look at God’s original plan for us as to who we ought to be and then, by graciously receiving His Spirit on repentance, we live that out for His glory and the benefit of those around us.

I love the line that there’s no law against that – fittingly in a book that’s been dealing with law and grace. It also reminds me of the tragedy of the garden where God gave us an instruction to enjoy all the trees in the garden with the exception of one. The tragedy is that God’s Word is for us to enjoy all with one exception and now blighted by sin we miss out on enjoying the all in search of the exception. I wouldn’t mind our fascination with the one if we’d truly made the best out of everything else, but I know for a fact that enjoying all the beautiful things in life will take a lifetime in and of itself as there is so much of God’s goodness to enjoy. It’s a shame that my sin-natural inclination is to look at other women when I haven’t even made the most out of enjoying my wife who day after day grows and blossoms further in the beauty with which God makes her and so shows yet something more for me to enjoy. It’s a shame that my sin-natural inclination is to wander from the good and get into the bad.

Thank God for His Spirit that reverts me closer to the Jesus-nature that is the walking design of what man was always meant to be like. Thank God for His Spirit that teaches me of these things and empowers me to live this out. Thank God for His Word that illuminates my every decision to make the most of life in all its fullest. Thank God for new life in Him where I begin to recognise just what I was missing out on in my former life and acknowledge that life is a lot better producing love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. In fact life doesn’t get any better than this and rejoicing in the God of my salvation allows me to smile in the face of this greater reality.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Heart-Felt Words to Build

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (Ephesians 4:29)

What’s that you’re saying? Why are you saying that for? Let every word that comes from your mouth – whether stern or pleasant – be a precious gift building the listener in their journey of life from a heart of compassion and gratitude. And let every word you remember today be something that helps you in your time of your need and builds you up to become all you can become.

Swearing has always been a big no-no in my upbringing, but as I grew to appreciate words like this, I realised that it had a lot more to do with the intent of the words you speak rather than their content. They are known as expletives and obscenities because there’s nothing in and of themselves that is redeemable and indeed they are used for vulgar, degrading, aggressive, negative and destructive purposes. Under this criterion there’s quite a lot that we say that can be considered an obscenity or expletive without invoking those key trigger words. The challenge then is not to be concerned with content primarily but heart motive – what are we conveying? Why are we conveying it? What is the desired outcome?

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Heart-Warmers

They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)

The conversation on the road to Emmaus must have been one of the most fascinating road trips in history. There’s something about a good chat that’s like a good wine or a good bath. There’s something about it that leaves us feeling better, more whole, stirred and provoked to better things as a result of it. It works a treat in changing what and how we do and did things. It is good to talk, so here’s to those conversations that leave you with hearts warmed and a smile in the soul!

In this series on the power of words there can be no doubting that the result of the conversation not only illuminated but empowered people to return immediately to the community and proclaim good news of new life and hope in a risen Saviour. Somehow it seems as though through the day we’re bombarded with loads of words that would pour water on life – but the reality of a risen Saviour and the new life we can have in Him has to put everything in perspective. Even and perhaps especially among Christians remembering this should inform the conversations we have among ourselves in the hope that it will influence conversations we have with others.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Speak Hope: Words Make Waiting Worthwhile

Meanwhile, creation is confused, but not because it wants to be confused. God made it this way in the hope that creation would be set free from decay and would share in the glorious freedom of his children. (Romans 5:20, 21)

And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it. (Romans 5:24, 25)

Words can have an amazing effect on our state of mind – sure there’s the tone it’s said in and the timing, but sometimes you can dive into the meaning of the words. The images and feelings it produces can be quite profound. The words above are to enable us to hold on and wait with eager anticipation. So rather than getting dismayed or frustrated at how things appear to be, dive into the meaning of these words, embrace their calming reassurance of a confident expectation. With that allow that to affect how you do life today – make them change your world one step at a time.

Keep these at the forefront just when you want to flip out, let it stir you as you want to slip into complacency.

If this DT was to a Christian audience I would refer to Romans 5:3-5 and just how even the worse circumstances in life when put in the context of Christ is something to rejoice over knowing the outcome. Also Romans 12:12.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Speak Peace

For the sake of my family and friends, I say it again: live in peace! (Psalm 122:8)

It is easy to get bogged down with the various pressures in life and let it get on top of you and lash out in one way or another at those around you. There is never a guarantee that we will live a stress-free life, but we can make an effort to speak words to soothe and bring unity and as we consider each other as friends and family today, the encouragement to speak peace!

What I love about this blog is that it’s a bit like the unedited backstage of what is delivered in people’s emails from day to day. I don’t get the chance to express what the process is that’s going on when I put together each daily thought and hopefully I’ll be able to give more insight into what’s going on.

So with regard to this thought and the power of words I know there’s some scepticism over phrases like positive confession and ‘name it and claim it’ religion. I share some of those concerns of a faith that’s nothing more than a shopping experience feeding into our consumer desires to have nice things whenever we want it. Also the kind of delusional living that is not faith based but is some of that excitable over-erratic zeal for what we think is God’s will for every situation side-stepping parts of the contract that includes suffering, persecution, misunderstanding, etc.

For all of that there is something about training our mouths to follow the example of the Prince of Peace and actually speak peace into our situation. What does that look like? Well first of all I think that looks like an honest ongoing dialogue with God that seeks to see things as He sees them so that you can say what He says about them. So rather than getting mired in another unfruitful argument with the wife over something trivial, I can see her again as God gave her to me not only for what she is now, but for the full package that I know she is to be in God. When I consider all that, how dare my lips dare spoil that pleasant picture of God’s fullness with a little blemish of a present that is soon past.

I reckon such thinking and second thinking on any given situation which desperately looks to please God in what we do has to look to speak the wholeness of God on the situation. Again this is not fairytale faux aspiring ‘aren’t things pretty and nice’ talk. This speaking peace maybe talking for things to get back in line – rebuking, correcting and even chiding self, others, stuff in the desperate desire that they are in line with God’s harmony for our living. In whatever way it’s expressed and with whatever words the goal remains the same in each situation and that is to see peace – that peace that passes understanding, that peace that the world cannot give to us, that peace that comes from godly wisdom, that peace that takes God Himself to give and that points back to the God who gives. Now in that situation surely everyone’s a winner – friends, families, hey even my enemies.

The gist of this is not to give something that’s as easy as pie, but is something worth aiming for in daily life. Again through taking a moment out to think through appropriate responses until the process becomes second nature to us (in fact preferably first nature if you get me) and as a result regardless of being bombarded with countless distractions (questions from within, unhelpful alternatives from ‘friends’, etc.), we can experience and rejoice in moment by moment victory in being able to speak peace even as Jesus was able to in those situations where tempestuous storms threatened the boat on which he and his homies were travelling.

For all my frailties, failings and flaws I work off the premise that I don’t have to work to gain anything from God. Rather, in the light of his mercies and grace to me as seen in Christ, it makes sense to show my gratitude by looking to be pleasing to Him by doing His perfect will for me life.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

God’s Statement of Intent

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. (Jer 29:11-12)

I am going to do that if it’s the last thing I do. I will move heaven and earth to get this thing done. Likewise God has a statement of intent – He is for you and not against you – to do you good and not to do you evil. In the light of this statement of intent you can experience peace in whatever you’re going through and perhaps have a go at sharing similar sentiments for your day and the people around you.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Say What You Want To See

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)

In every day situations we have a choice. We can say what we see or we can say what we want to see. Of course just talking doesn’t solve anything, but it can be the start of solving something. Once impressed on the mind, these words can set up a fresh perspective and optimistic outlook on even the grimmest situation.

It’s just fascinating looking at the preamble to creation and seeing all the odds against something beautiful coming from that situation and yet seeing our Creator speak the words to usher in the beginning of a process that ended with all things being very good. I’m not necessarily advocating the kind of positive thinking that negates the reality of tough things happening in life. I am promoting a perspective in line with the will of God that would drive us to see where God is inviting us to shed light on the situation – whether that’s in a hurting relationship or among the disengaged in the community. It is the very circumstances of negativity that encourages us to join with God in speaking light and life in that situation.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Power of Words - Intro

And God said … (Genesis 1:3a)

Over the month of August I want to look at the power of words. It’s got to be clear by now that the individual who thought that sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me obviously belonged on another planet. Words have started and ended wars. Words have broken and made families. Words have created genius and devastation. This is no surprise as the Creator Himself brought things into being by the power of the Word and restored lost humanity through the Word and by the power of Word will bring all things to completion and fruition. So that’s the basis for a season of thoughts on the power of the word, I hope it’s a blessing to you.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Introduction

Welcome to Daily Thoughts (DT) – this blog is the natural progression from an email service of the same name that has been released through my work at the North Staffs YMCA. To find out more about what DT is all about click here and to find out a little more about me click here.

This blog offers a place for extended thought based on whatever has been posted that day. As well as that, the DT from the YMCA is usually released five days a week – the hope is that this blog will go for all seven days a week.

Also whereas the YMCA DT is targeted primarily at people who are new to faith and hopefully beneficial to those who have a relationship with God, this DT will be more open to those who have a greater interest in the things of God and how that impacts life.

The prayer for this site is that the words will be acceptable in the sight of the Lord who is my strength and redeemer and will bring another godly perspective on life. Hopefully in the days to come you’ll find out a lot more about the motivations for DT and the desired impact on our lives. In the meantime all comments and thoughts are more than welcome (that doesn’t mean I have to take it on board, especially if it’s unhelpful, but send them in all the same!) and I hope you will be truly blessed in a closer walk with and growing knowledge of Jesus through this service.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
da man cd